The Reef

assurance do I have of that?”
    “My word, of course.”
    “Your word means less than nothing to me.” She gasped involuntarily when he crushed her fingers in his hand.
    “I don’t tolerate insults.” When he released her, her hand throbbed like a bad tooth. “A man’s word is sacred, Tate,” he said with eerie calm. “My proposition stands. The amulet is all I want from you. In exchange for it, you’ll have the fame and the fortune that goes with the Isabella. Your name will be made. I’m even willing to assist on that point wherever I have influence.”
    “I don’t want your influence.”
    “You benefited from it many times in the past eight years. But I did that for my own pleasure. Still it wounds to have generosity met with ingratitude.” His face darkened. “Lassiter’s doing. I understand that. You realize that by aligning yourself with him you’re lowering your expectations, your standards, your social and professional opportunities. A man like him will never be an asset to you on any level.”
    “A man like Matthew Lassiter makes you look like achild. A spoiled, evil child.” Her head snapped back and her eyes watered when the back of his hand slashed across her cheek.
    “I warned you.” Furious, he shoved his plate aside. The force of it sent it bulleting off the table to smash on the deck. “I won’t tolerate disrespect. I’ve made allowances as I admire your courage and intelligence, but you will mind your tongue.”
    “I despise you.” She braced for another blow. “If I found the amulet, I’d destroy it before turning it over to you.”
    She watched him snap. The way his hands trembled as he surged to his feet. There was murder in his eyes. More than that, she understood. There was a kind of terrible delight. He would hurt her, she knew, and he would enjoy it.
    The survival instinct kicked in over the numb fear. She sprang to her feet, leaping back when he grabbed for her. Without pausing, she sprinted for the rail. Water was safety. The sea would save her. But even as she poised to dive, she was dragged back.
    She kicked, screamed, fought to find flesh that her teeth could sink into. The steward simply pinned her arms, yanking them viciously up behind her back until her vision grayed.
    “Leave her to me.”
    Dimly, she heard VanDyke’s voice as she fell bonelessly to the deck.
    “You’re not as sensible as I’d hoped.” With the rage still in him, VanDyke snagged her abused arm and yanked her to her feet. Fresh agony had a sob catching in her throat. “Your loyalty is displaced, Tate. I’ll have to teach you—”
    He broke off as the sound of a motor caught his attention. Hearing it, Tate swayed, turned her face toward the noise.
    Matthew.
    Terror and pain stripped aside all pride. She wept weakly when VanDyke let her drop to the deck a second time.
    He’d come. She curled into a ball, nursing bruises. He’d take her away, and it wouldn’t hurt anymore. She wouldn’t be afraid anymore.
    “Again,” VanDyke said, “you’re late.”
    “It wasn’t a simple matter to leave.” LaRue landed lightly on deck. He glanced briefly at Tate before reaching for his tobacco. “You have a passenger, I see.”
    “Fortune smiled on me.” Nearly steady again, VanDyke sat back down. He picked up a napkin to dab at his sweaty face. “I was handling a few details on the island when who should cross my path but the delightful Ms. Beaumont.”
    LaRue clucked his tongue and helped himself to Tate’s champagne. “There’s a mark on her face. I disapprove of the rough treatment of women.”
    VanDyke’s teeth bared. “I don’t pay you for your approval.”
    “Perhaps not.” LaRue decided to postpone his cigarette and enjoy the antipasto. “When Matthew discovers you have her, he’ll come looking.”
    “Of course.” That would make up for everything. Nearly everything. “Have you come only to tell me what I already know?”
    “LaRue.” Trembling, Tate struggled to her knees. “Matthew, where’s Matthew?”
    “I would guess he is speeding back from Nevis to search for you.”
    “But—” She shook her head to clear it. “What are you doing here?” Slowly it began to register that he was alone, that he was sitting comfortably at the table, nibbling.
    He smiled when he saw the knowledge seep into her eyes, and with it disgust. “So, the light dawns.”
    “You work for him. Matthew trusted you. We all trusted you.”
    “I would hardly have earned my keep if